UNIZIK Graduate Dies While Escaping “Robbery Pranks”
Report said that one Ifunanya Miracle, also known as Bliss, lost her life while trying to escape from an unidentified prankster attempting robbery on the school premises in Awka, Anambra State.
It was also learnt that her friend, Peace, a student in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry who was with her during the incident, sustained injuries and was taken to Hospital for medical attention.
It was gathered that Ifunanya, a recent graduate from the Department of Quantity Surveying at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was a Point-of-Sale, POS operator on the school grounds during her time as a student.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday, June 9, 2024, after Ifunanya had closed business for the day and boarded a tricycle with Peace to their destination.
While on their journey, a fellow passenger seated next to them allegedly tried to rob them of their belongings.
An unnamed student from the school recounted how, in a bid to escape the robbery, both students leaped out of the moving tricycle.
According to the report, Miracle hit her head on the ground and died, while her friend, Peace sustained injuries.
One student while commenting on the incident said, “Miracle just graduated from the university and operates a Point-of-Sale business within the school. The incident occurred around 7 pm on June 9, 2024. She used to run her PoS activities near my residence.”
“She typically stored her business items under the staircase in our compound, and despite putting them there that evening, we were shocked to hear of her demise.
“Reports suggest that while on a moving tricycle, a fellow passenger demanded their phones, leading to Miracle jumping out and hitting her head, resulting in her unfortunate demise. Her friend also jumped out and sustained injuries and is currently in the hospital.”
Another student mentioned that the individual who demanded their belongings later claimed it was a prank, though unconfirmed reports hinted that the individual had turned himself in to the police.
“The person supposedly reported himself at the police station, citing it as a prank. How could he prank someone on a moving tricycle? Following the incident, there has been no further update. This loss occurred due to the negligence of those who claimed to be pranksters.
“It seems like he initially intended to rob them, and upon witnessing the consequences, switched the story to a prank. The university has not made any statements regarding the situation. This young lady just graduated.”
Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, the school spokesperson, confirmed the incident and mentioned that the prankster, a final-year student at the institution, would face consequences after Miracle’s funeral.
He explained, “The University is aware of the incident. It was not a robbery but an ill-fated prank. The students were asked for their phones as part of the gag, which they were unaware of. Consequently, one lost her life, and another survived.
“Both parties and the family of the student orchestrating the prank have come to an agreement. The burial will precede any disciplinary action against the prankster.
“It’s a regrettable occurrence; the school and the student responsible are remorseful. The concerning student’s family will cover the funeral expenses for the deceased victim and the medical bills for the injured student. This serves as a warning against dangerous pranks leading to fatalities; the perpetrator will face the consequences.”
